In the context of trauma assessment, which sign may indicate hypovolemic shock?

The correct answer is an increased heart rate, which is a significant indicator of hypovolemic shock. When a patient experiences hypovolemic shock, typically due to significant blood loss or fluid depletion, the body tries to compensate for the reduced circulating blood volume. One of the primary compensatory mechanisms is an increase in heart rate. The increase helps to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs despite the reduced volume, as the heart attempts to pump more frequently to sustain cardiac output.

In hypovolemic shock, the heart rate often increases in response to low blood pressure, as the body tries to maintain perfusion. Monitoring heart rate is crucial for assessing a patient's condition after trauma, as it provides vital information about their hemodynamic status.